Chapter 16/17: Explain Atticus’ explanation about the mob dispersing. What is a mob made of? How was it broken up? How does his explanation relate to one of themes of the book? (Dylan)
In chapter 16, Atticus gives the reader a better understanding of the mob that appeared in chapter 15 and he explains how empathy has the power to break up a mob. The night before the trial, a mob meets Atticus at the Maycomb jail. During this scene, it is clear to the reader that the mob has an agenda to end the life of Tom Robinson. To save the day, Scout brings the mob to their senses and eventually all the men leave. She accomplishes this by making a connection with Mr. Cunningham, and eventually he realizes what he is doing is wrong. The following morning, in chapter 16, Scout, who is evidently troubled by the night's occurrences, says that she “‘thought Mr. Cunningham was a friend of ours,’” (Lee 210). Scout says this because in the past, Mr. Cunningham has been very nice to the Finches. However, that night he was going to hurt Atticus if Atticus didn’t cooperate. Atticus explains that Mr. Cunningham was still their friend by saying that everyone in a mob might seem entirely bad at first glance, but at the end of the day they “‘can be stopped simply because they’re still human,’” (Lee 210). This means that since the members of a mob are still human, they can understand what Atticus is going through. Because of this it is evident that empathy is what finally broke up the mob. The theme of empathy has been prominent throughout the novel, and when the mob finally breaks up the reader sees how powerful it can be. “‘... You children last night made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute. That was enough,’” (Lee 210). Through empathy, Mr. Cunningham was able to understand what Atticus was going through in that moment, and he realized the stress and pressure that Atticus was under, making him come to his senses.
At the end of the day, it only took one moment of empathy to break up the mob, since everyone in it is still human. This makes clear how powerful empathy can be.
Atticus also uses empathy a great deal to show compassion and understand the people in the mob. When the family is talking about Walter Cunningham, he says "he [Mr. Cunningham] just has his blind spots along with the rest of us," (Lee 210). Jem is confused, because he has witnessed this man threaten his father. However, Atticus explains that the anger of the mob was carrying him along, instead of his own logic. Atticus has a lot of empathy for Mr. Cunningham, partially because he has seen him be a reasonable person, and knows that the fury of the mob swayed his judgement.
ReplyDeleteIs there a reason Atticus has this empathy that is so far beyond the rest of Maycomb County?
Does age matter when it comes to doing the right thing? How old do you need to be to have empathy? What does it mean to "come of age?
ReplyDeleteThese are all themes that continue to emerge throughout Harper Lee's novel. Jem's "coming of age" is revealed in Chapter 17 when he senses that he must check on Atticus on the Saturday night that Tom Robinson is moved to the Maycomb County Jail. With Dill and Scout along for the trip, they find themselves needed when the mob approaches Atticus on the sidewalk in front of the jail. Scout, the youngest in the group, ultimately and without completely knowing how important her actions are, forge a connection with Mr. Cunningham that eventually disperses the mob for the evening, and ensures Tom Robinson's safety. The next morning Atticus explains that "it took an eight year old to bring 'em to their senses, didn't it? ...That proves something...maybe we need a police force of children..." (Lee 210).
The actions of the youngest characters in the book, and the comments of the oldest character in the book made me think about how important (or unimportant) age and doing the right thing really are?